When traveling, we need internet to use maps and chat with friends on social medias. Using an eSIM is a good way to help us avoid expensive roaming charges. Read this guide to find out all about China eSIM, and the best plans available!
Top 3 China eSIM Plans (with VPN, Unlimited Options)
Here's the top 3 China eSIM plans with the highest ratings and sales. These 3 eSIMs all have built-in access to Western apps, so you don’t need a VPN in China (China blocks overseas apps—just book these eSIMs to stay connected).
CMCC China 4/5G eSIM
- CoverageMainland China
- Data0.5G-3GB/day ; 1-50GB Total
- Validity1 to 30 Days
- PriceFrom CAD 0.45
China Mobile 5G eSIM
- CoverageMainland China
- Data0.5G-3GB/day ; 1-50GB Total
- Validity1 to 30 Days
- Price From CAD 0.30
China/HK/Macau eSIM
- CoverageChina
- Data0.5-100GB/Day ; 3-50GB Total
- Validity1 to 30 Days
- Price From CAD 0.31
Don’t forget to claim your New User Coupon below! Enjoy an extra 5% off on top of already affordable eSIM prices.
Why There Is Phone eSIM Restrictions in China
In Canada, many people use eSIM on their phones. However in China, it is different. Most eSIMs in China are for smartwatches, not mobile phones, but there is a good reason for this.
China has strict rules to keep phone numbers safe. When eSIM first appeared, Chinese workers found that people can turn on eSIM from far away. It is hard to check if they use their real IDs. This may let criminals commit fraud, such as digital scams and data theft. So, to keep people safe, eSIMs are mainly used for smartwatches.
But don’t worry. Now more and more foreigners come to China. Some big phone companies start to sell special eSIMs for tourists. It is not as common as in Canada, but you can buy it easily. It will make your trip easier and save your money.
How to Buy eSIM for China
Buying eSIM for China is not difficult. There are no hard forms or language problems. There are two easy ways for Canadian travellers to buy it:
Online Purchase
The first way is to buy it online before you leave Canada. I like this way best because it saves time. You can go to China Unicom’s website. It has English pages, so you won’t be confused. You can pay with Canadian credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. You can choose a plan for your trip, like 7 days or 10 days. After paying, they will send a QR code to your email. Remember to do this 2 or 3 days before your trip. Then you can turn it on when you arrive in China.
Arrival Purchase
The second way is to buy it at the airport. When you arrive in Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou, look for the phone company counters. They have English signs, so you can find them easily. You must take your passport. Without it, you can’t buy eSIM. The staff can speak simple English. Tell them you are a tourist, and they will help you choose a plan. You can pay with CAD, cash or RMB. They will give you the QR code at once. It is fast and easy, especially if you forget to buy it online.
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Major Telecom Providers that China eSIMs Connet To
When traveling in China, a local SIM card or roaming service is important for staying connected. There are three major telecom providers, each with unique strengths to suit different travel needs.
China Mobile: Nationwide Coverage Leader
China Mobile is the largest provider with nationwide coverage, including remote mountainous areas and rural regions. It offers stable 5G signals and various short-term tourist plans. You can get a SIM card with your passport at airports or service halls, and its hotline is 10086 (available in English). Ideal if you plan to travel to less developed areas.
China Unicom: Urban & International Advantages
China Unicom excels in urban areas and international roaming, cooperating with over 200 countries worldwide. Its 5G speed is fast in cities, and it has cost-effective tourist packages with ample data. Airport service counters are available for easy SIM card collection. Hotline: 10010.
China Telecom: Strong in Southern China
China Telecom performs well in southern China and weak-signal places like basements or elevators. It provides reliable signals for travellers exploring southern provinces and also offers affordable daily data plans for short stays. Hotline: 10000.
Important Notes for Application: You’ll need your valid passport, visa, and a temporary address (like your hotel) to get a SIM card—and you have to go in person. Good thing is, all three companies have English customer service on their hotlines. Just pick the one that fits your travel route, and you’ll be all set!
How to Choose: Trip.com China eSIM VPN or Regular VPN?
Traditional top VPNs (such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN) have two main pain points for China travellers:
- They require separate download and configuration, which can be complicated for users unfamiliar with tech;
- Their stability is inconsistent in China, often facing connection drops.
By contrast, Trip.com China eSIM’s VPN has three key advantages (all based on user-friendly design):
No extra apps needed: The VPN is pre-integrated into the eSIM—after scanning the QR code to activate the eSIM, you can instantly use apps like WhatsApp/IG/X/FB;
Zero configuration: No manual setup (e.g., server selection) is required; the system automatically connects to stable channels.
Syncs with data plan: The VPN runs on the eSIM’s local Chinese network, ensuring smoother access compared to independent VPNs relying on overseas servers.
Best China eSIM Options (Top Picks)
The best eSIM for you depends on how long you travel, how much data you need, and your budget. While other providers give you a total data pool (like 10GB for your whole trip), in which you would constantly need to check and calculate your daily data usage. Trip.com lets you customize your China eSIM plan to the highest level and offers both total & daily data plans for you to choose. This means with their 10-day plan, you get 1GB every single day - if you use all your data on Monday, you'll still get a fresh 1GB on Tuesday. No more saving data for later or running out mid-trip!
Trip.com - Best Value, Reliable Network & Fast Speed
- 1-day: 500MB/day - CAD 0.60
- 10-day: 1GB/day - CAD 5.40 (CAD 0.54/day)
- 15-day: 1GB/day - CAD 7.68 (CAD 0.51/day)
Other Popular China eSIM Providers
Holafly
Offers unlimited data plans for 7 to 90 days. It uses China Unicom’s high-quality network—4G in cities, 3G in remote areas and also has 24/7 customer support in both English and Chinese. Although a phone number is not provided, you can use data to do WeChat/WhatsApp voice calls.
Airalo
Good for short trips (1 to 7 days) and has flexible data plans. It uses China Mobile’s network, which has excellent signal in cities and works in more than 200 countries. Great for weekend getaways—it works with most Canadian phones and is quick to set up. If you’re traveling to multiple countries (such as China + Japan + South Korea), you can choose Airalo’s Asia eSIM package to save money.
Nomad
Ideal for travellers staying more than 30 days or visiting remote areas like Tibet, Zhangjiajie, etc. It uses mixed networks, so its coverage is unbeatable and allows you to top up data if you run out. Though it’s a bit more expensive, the reliability is worth it.
China Unicom Tourist eSIM
You can buy it in person at major airports and train stations, but would need to show your Canadian passport. It includes a Chinese phone number (useful for WeChat Pay/Alipay). Downside is having to wait in line, and it’s less flexible.
Gigago
It offers monthly plans (unlimited data or 50GB of data). Its 5G speed is fast—comparable to the 5G speed of Bell, Rogers, and Telus in Canada. It’s goodfor remote work and supports real-time data tracking and provides detailed activation guides.
See More Global eSIMs
How to Activate eSIM in China
Activating eSIM in China is very easy. You don’t need any special skills. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have internet soon.
- Save the QR code well. You get it from your email or the airport counter. Don’t lose it, because you need it to get internet.
- Wait until you arrive in China to turn it on. Connect to the free WiFi at the airport first. Don’t activate it in Canada. If you do, you will pay extra for roaming bills.
- Open your phone’s Settings. Find “Cellular” and tap “Add eSIM”. Use your phone to scan the QR code. Follow the steps on the screen and wait for 1 or 2 minutes.
- That’s all! You have internet now. If it doesn’t work, go back to the phone counter at the airport or call China Unicom’s 24-hour English service. They will help you fix it quickly.
Final Tips for You
Always take your passport when you buy or activate eSIM because you can’t get it without your passport. In most cases, a 10GB plan for 7 days would be enough. Keep your Canadian SIM in your phone, but turn off roaming. This way, you can still get bank texts and verification codes.
With this guide, you can use eSIM easily during your trip to China. You won’t worry about roaming bills or internet problems. Just enjoy your trip, eat delicious food, visit beautiful places and take many photos. I hope you have a great trip in China. Safe travels, my Canadian friends!
Discounted Top China Hotel Recommendations
China eSIM Questions People Also Ask
Can Foreign Visitors Buy eSIMs After Arrival in China?
Yes, but with significant caveats . Foreign visitors can purchase international travel eSIMs after arriving in China, but local Chinese carrier eSIMs (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) are generally unavailable to short-term tourists.Does eSIM allow me to use apps like Instagram, Youtube, or Google in China?
Yes, but only with international travel eSIMs that include built-in VPN or international routing . Standard local Chinese carrier eSIMs will not let you access these apps, as they are blocked by China’s Great Firewall (GFW).What are some disadvantages of using eSIM when traveling in China?
It only works on eSIM‑supported unlocked phones; most plans are data‑only with no local phone number; activation requires internet access; it’s bound to one device and can’t be transferred; signal may be weaker in remote areas.